Schwartz earns a 'C' grade

Friday

Brandon Schwartz believes there is more to being a leader than just wearing a letter on your uniform.

Brandon Schwartz believes there is more to being a leader than just wearing a letter on your uniform.

He wants to lead by example. And as the acting captain of the Stockton Thunder, he will get his chance.

Defenseman Brad Farynuk was officially elected the new captain of the team, but he was promoted to the Springfield Falcons before taking the job. Schwartz, an assistant captain along with Beau Geisler, will be wearing the large "C" when the Thunder plays host to the Alaska Aces at 7:30 p.m. today at Stockton Arena.

"It's an honor, and I take the job very seriously," Schwartz said. "I'm not a big talker; I try to lead with my play. But there are a lot of leaders in this (locker) room, whether they wear a letter or not. And we all have to pitch in."

The Thunder (6-8-1) can use any boost it can get as it attempts to snap a five-game winless streak.

And in hockey, the role of the captain and the assistant captains is more pronounced than in other sports.

The on-ice leaders discuss calls with officials, and since the Thunder doesn't have an assistant coach, Chris Cichocki often counts on them to help in practice and the locker room.

"They are my voices on the ice," Cichocki said.

"It's much more than a ceremonial title in hockey, and I think we have a great group of leaders."

The election was Monday, and Farynuk became the franchise's second captain.

Dean Stork held the position during the 2005-06 season, and the team didn't have a captain last season.

Farynuk, a defenseman, was promoted to Springfield on Tuesday. Phil Cole will temporarily serve as the other assistant while he's gone.